Here’s a creamy, flavorful recipe for Marry Me Chicken Pasta—a delicious and comforting dish featuring chicken in a rich, savory cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. It’s said to be so good, it’ll make anyone want to “marry” you!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
- Prepare the chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the creamy sauce:
- In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, scraping up any bits left from the chicken.
- Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine the chicken and pasta:
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces and return to the skillet with the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together, making sure the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Serve:
- Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh basil, parsley, and extra Parmesan cheese.
Optional Variations:
- Add veggies: You can sauté spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to add more veggies to the dish.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some extra heat.
- Different cheese: Swap out Parmesan for mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses for a creamier texture.
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is creamy, savory, and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect dish to impress your loved ones—or anyone, really!